Fodor's Travel Talk Forums - Please vote on my vacation destination

Fodor's Travel Talk Forums (https://www.fodors.com/community/)

- United States (https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/)

- - Please vote on my vacation destination (https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/please-vote-on-my-vacation-destination-294555/)

Please vote on my vacation destination

Hi, Please help me decide between Alaska (Homer/Seward) or Canadian Rockies(Jasper/Lake Louise) in June. I like beatiful scenery, quiet environment, animals, hiking, canooing. Would go for more expensive if worth it.

I'm sure Alaska is wonderful but I've never been there. Jasper, Lake Louise and Banff are perhap the most naturally beautiful location I've even been. We went whitewater rafting but there was also a raft trip that didn't enter into any whitewater if a more leisurely ride is what you like. I was so stoked after that rafting trip. Totally exhilerating! The 6-wheel drive bus trip out onto the glacier was awesome too. Near Banff, I stood on a platform above Sunshine Village Resort and looked out over the continental divide. The sheer power of nature there was a truly spiritual experience for me. As I said, I'm sure Alaska's beauty would be right up there with it but I only speak from one perspective.

Having been to Lake Louise/Jasper and Alaska and both in June, I would opt for Alaska. True, the Icefields Parkway between Banff and Jasper is one beautiful drive and we saw a lot of elk on the streets of Jasper. But in Alaska you'll have more opportunities to see kinds of wildlife on day cruises or hikes -- bald eagles, whales, sea otters, moose, sea lions, porpoises, dall sheep, bears. The scenery is beautiful and the days much longer. We were in Alaska around the summer solstice and it never really got dark. It's more magical than Alberta, in my opinion.

I've done both and enjoyed both, but I think of the two I actually found the Canadian Rockies more scenic and beautiful. Maybe I was expecting too much from Alaska. The fjords and coast in particular paled in comparison to the fjords and coasts of Norway or South Island, New Zealand. But I will agree you will probably see more types of animals in Alaska. Still we saw many bears, moose, elk, etc. in the Canadian Rockies.

You cannot go wrong with either. I don't know where you live, but if it's a better time for Alaska, then do it. However, it's a great time to vacation in Canada with the rates. I liked Alaska better, because it was so vast, so empty, so gorgeous.

I've done both and echo some of the sentiments of nearly every posting. But, let me be a swing vote here. Scenery: Making one place more scenic than another is impossible for me. Is Mt. Fuji a prettier volcano than Mt. Rainier? Or, are they equal and different? I think Jasper is beautiful, and, you are more likely to see blue skies backdropping the mountains. But, it is not any more beautiful than Alaska...just different. 17 of the tallest 20 peaks in America are in Alaska. A state which happens to take up 586,000 square miles. And, that is the real ticket here. In scope, Alaska has more of everything. Activities: Hiking, and camping would be relatively the same. Both have canoes, kayaks, and whitewater. BUT....... Alaska has tidewater. Not just a coastline, but a coastline larger than the sum of the continental US coast combined. And, along this coast you will see the second highest tidal variance in the world, and, tidewater glaciers. You can fish in either place for trout, but, you won't catch a halibut in Jasper. Fishing Alaska is relatively inexpensive. And, with 5 species of Pacific salmon, halibut, trout, grayling, pike, and innumerable lesser species, the opportunities are endless. Canned tours like flightseeing, horseback riding, etc. are pretty common industry wide. Wildlife: As mentioned, you will see elk and deer all over the place in Jasper. Possibly an occasional moose or bear might grace you for a quick glance. In Alaska, you are much more likely to see moose, bears, eagles, sheep, and the like with a small chance of a quick glance at a wolf or wolverine.....and, back on the water........Whales, sea lions, porpoises, seals, sea otters, etc, etc, etc....... the wildlife listing for Alaska is phenomenal. And, from slightly different perspective here, IF YOU ARE A US CITIZEN, Alaska belongs to you. Over 80% of the state is public lands. So, as an investor, you SHOULD come and see what your dollar has bought. Alaska over Jasper anytime May-October. It is just more of everything.

That part of Canada is beautiful and there is a lot to do. My one word of caution is the weather. I grew up in NW Montana and the weather in June can be very iffy. There is a chance it will not feel like summer, it could well be quite cold and a fair amount of rain. I don't know for sure that this would carry over into those areas but they are further north. Later in the summer could provide better weather to be outside.

We did the rockies a few years ago and are doing Alaska this summer. The Rockies were absolutely incredible, I hope you are also planning on including banff in your trip as well. The thing about the rockies is that you will spend less travel time getting from place to place. I am sure we are going to love Alaska, but we loved the rockies and alhtough expensive will still give you more for your dollar.